The village woke to the cacophony of seabirds and the soft rustling of palm trees in the ocean breeze, but beneath the surface, Emma felt a tension wind tighter with every heartbeat. The vision of the temple haunted her sleep, catching her thoughts on tides and pulling them deep into the dark where secrets still swam unplumbed for centuries.
"Are you so certain about this?" The soft voice of Leo startled her where he stood at the entrance of the small cottage, arms crossed, a hint of doubt in his eyes barely cloaking his concern.
She looked down at the pendant that now lay on her neck, the gemstone inside softly glowing as if it would remind her of its presence. "We have to, Leo. The answers are down there, and if we don't act now, whatever's coming will hit us before we're ready.".
Leo's jaw clenched, but he nodded; the tension went out in a resigned smile. "Then we should make preparations. We'll be needing supplies, diving gear, and. I think we ought to tell Ella.
Emma's breath caught at the mention of Ella; this older woman was not only a guardian of knowledge but also one of the few who knew about the hidden power beneath their village. "Do you think she'll believe us?" Emma asked, a shadow of doubt crossing her mind.
"She will believe you," Leo said with conviction. "She has always believed in you.
The two entered into the middle of the village, working their way through small walkways lined with stone cottages. Smoke curled from morning fires and villagers hastened to perform their chores, none knowing of the burden that Emma carried. She could feel the warmth of the pendant pulsating like a heartbeat, quickening as they neared Ella's cottage-a small, round stone house sheathed in dried herbs and charms to ward off evil.
She opened the door before they were even knocking, her eyes keener than ever. "I've been expecting you," she said, her voice both warm and steel. She moved aside to let them in, the smell of dried sage and sea brine inviting them into the dark room.
Emma exchanged a look with Leo before going inside. "You knew?" she asked, surprise not quite hidden.
She nodded, indicating that they take a seat by the wooden table, cluttered with scrolls and little vials of liquids he didn't quite know. "The sea has been whispering louder than usual," Ella said, easing back in her chair. "The ancestors spoke about a time when Keeper of the Light was to face the trials of the deep."
Emma's heart raced. "Then you know about the temple? The one below the sea?
The spark of recognition shone bright in Ella's eyes. "Ah, then you have seen it. The Temple of Aetherial Waters. Sanctuary and a fortress, both, and if the pendant has shown you the path, then indeed it is the time of its happening."
Leo slouched forward, his face furrowed into a frown. "But how do we reach there? We're not exactly geared for underwater expeditions.
The corners of Ella's lips curled up in a thin smile as she reached for a chest at her feet. She opened it with a creak, revealing an assortment of relics, maps, and a vial filled with what looked like shimmering blue liquid. "This," she said, holding the vial up to the light, "is Essence of Tidal Breath. It will be able to allow you to breathe under the water for some time. But the way to the temple is full of risk. Only those whose hearts are unshakeable will reach there."
Emma reached for the vial; the liquid swirled in it, just as if liquid starlight had been poured into it. "Thanks, Ella. We will be careful."
The eyes of Ella softened. "I know you will, child. Just remember this much-power without wisdom is like a ship without a rudder. Light and darkness both lie within this pendant. Only you can decide which it reveals.
The weight of her words fell heavy in the room. Emma held Leo's gaze, the burning of her determination in her eyes. There was nothing to do but go forward. The sea had called, and now it was time to answer.